AUSTRALIAN.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9173, 2 August 1895, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. THE CANADIAN - PACIFIC SERVICE. Sydney, August 1. With reference to the Hon. Mr. Ward's announcement that New Zealand intends to subsidise a CanadianPacific steam service, the PostmasterGeneral states that New South Wales has heard nothing of the matter either from New Zealand or Ml* Huddart, and points out that calling at New Zealand would lengthen the voyage by thirty-six hours. THE LIQUOR QUESTION, At the annual meeting of the Licensed Victuallers' Association the report claimed that eighty members of the new. Parliament supporting local option were in favour of payment of compensation. THE BURNING MINE. The fire in the mine appears to be gradually subsiding. The smoke has greatly decreased, but pours out intermittently in large volumes. The "fighting staff'*has been reduced, but is in readiness in case of a fresh outbreak. Work has been resumed on the adjoining blocks. CONVICTS FOR NOUMEA. Advices have been received that the French transport, Caledonia, with 500 convicts for Noumea, left Colombo on July 10th. THE JEWELLERY ROBBERY. ' Two boys, named Wilson and Harrigo, have been arrested on a charge of being concerned with Windon in stealing £2500 worth of jewellery from Stewart, Dawson and Co.'s premises. The lads made a statement which will probably have an important bearing on the case. " SUGAR DUTY. Melbourne, August I. In the Legislative Assemby the Government proposals to raise the duty on colonial refined sugar from 5s to 5s 6d caused a warm discussion. The Government was urged to leave the duty as at present, otherwise the Colonial Sugar Refining Company would lose much of the benefit of the differential duty. On the other hand, it was contended that three-fourths of the shareholders resided in Sydney, and most of the money went there, while the Company was quite wealthy enough to do without differential duties. The proposal was rejected in favour of one raising the duty to 5s 9d. SUSPENDED PAYMENT. The Union Flour Milling Company, at Horshani, has suspended payment About sixty farmers whose wheat was stored are involved to the extent of £4600. The failure is said to be the result of overselling, and having to re-purchase stock in a rising market. A QUESTION OF PRECEDENCE. Adelaide, August 1. The members of the Legislative Council are indignant because at a recent state function the President was ranked after ex-members of the Executive. The Council considers this derogatory to the dignity of the Chamber, and has adopted an address to the Governor, asking him to obtain the opinion of the Colonial Office authorities on the question of precedence.